Funny thing is, Tampa Bay (23-32-15) thought it made progress during its 2-0-1 road trip. And when Lecavalier's team-best 29th goal in the first period was followed by goals in 10 seconds from Stamkos and Matt Pettinger, tying the team record for fastest two goals at home, the Lightning led 3-0 2:36 into the second.

It also led 14-12 in shots with 7:32 left in the period. But the Lightning simply stopped skating, and the Maple Leafs didn't.

Toronto had a 27-8 shot advantage the rest of the way and got a key goal with 23.3 seconds left in the second period on John Mitchell's wraparound after goalie Karri Ramo took himself out of the play.

Jason Blake's goal through Ramo's legs made it 3-2 3:24 into the third, and Jeff Hamilton tied it with 5:31 left in regulation with Lecavalier, minus-3 in the game, banging his stick in frustration after he failed to break up the play.

And fed off a screaming crowd of 18,793 filled with Leafs fans, who brought the house down when Mitchell scored in the sixth shootout round to give Toronto a 2-1 win.

The Leafs got lucky in the shootout as Stamkos and Marty St. Louis hit posts. But Lecavalier was the only dent Tampa Bay made in goalie Curtis Joseph, who stopped Ryan Malone, Vinny Prospal and Evgeny Artyukhin.

"I loved the crowd," Lightning defenseman Matt Smaby said. "I would have liked it if it would have cheered for us a little more."